Dance Schools

The Cowles Center is home to two dance schools, Minnesota Dance Institute and Zenon Dance. Check out the links to learn more about each school and their offerings.

Minnesota Dance Theatre & Dance Institute (off-site link)

The Dance Institute is the official school of Minnesota Dance Theatre. Founded in 1962, and merged with Ballet Arts Minnesota in 2006 for a collective history of over 50 years, the Dance Institute has achieved national recognition as a leading dance institution in the United States. Since its inception, Minnesota Dance Theatre has insisted upon the partnership of a professional performing company and a dance school - that there would not be one without the other.

Read more about Minnesota Dance Theatre & Dance Institute »

Zenon Dance School (off-site link)

Zenon Dance School offers an impressive array of classes in modern, jazz, ballet, hip hop, breakdancing, tap, ballroom, house dance, African dance, bellydance, contact improvisation, and yoga.

Known for our comfortable atmosphere and reasonable class rates, Zenon welcomes all dancers, regardless of age, ability, or experience. Classes are taught by the area’s leading independent instructors who bring out the unique potential of each student, from the beginning child or adult to the professional-level dancer.